Former Midlander writes book of poems, stories

By the Midland Daily News

Published
7:15 am EST, Monday, February 20, 2012

Former Midlander Jane E. Hart has written "Why Mother Teresa Is Going to Hell ... and Other Observations," an irreverent collection of never-before-published assortment of works evoking moods ranging from realism to fantasy to the distinctly macabre. The book was released in January.

In the book's 51 poems and 21 stories, Hart leads readers on a journey touching a myriad of life issues, including first love, marriage, divorce, murder, AIDS and the vividly remembered experiences of childhood. Sometimes wry, sometimes tragic, and often humorous, her poems and stories are always thought-provoking as she explores the human psyche.

Literary critic Amos Lassen said, "I read a great many books every week and I love to share how I feel about most of them. But then every once in a while I will get a surprise sent to me and it makes me sit up and say 'WOW!!' Jane Hart's collection of stories and poems did just that to me. Hart moves from the realities of life to the emotions of the heart smoothly and sublimely."

Hart, a former resident of Midland for over 20 years, now lives in Delta Township and is the daughter of award-winning poets Margaret and Lawrence Abbott. An author since the age of 6, her published works include a wide range of writing, from articles to children's stories to poetry. She is also the co-author of the college textbook on writing "Improving College English" and has been a writing instructor at various colleges and workshops.

"This is a very personal collection of material that I've been working on for several years," said Hart. "Many of these stories were inspired by specific places and things in Michigan both past and present. I've enjoyed the unusual direction this work has taken, and I'm very excited to share it with you now."

Hart is currently working on finishing two full-length murder mystery novels for 2013 publication.

"Why Mother Teresa Is Going to Hell....and Other Observations" is available for purchase through Amazon.com and Createspace.com.